Many people are concerned about the safety of their dogs due to medical issues such as allergens. Some dogs have multiple issues, which some owners believed that they can be better managed by making their own dog food since they knew the contents of the food they serve to their dogs. The main objective of the dog owners in formulating their own dog food is to provide a balanced nutritional food that provides the essential nutrients needed to maintain their dogs well-being and dogs health. A recipe or number of recipes need to be developed in order to balance complete nutrition once a proper protein and carbohydrate sources are chosen. Ideally, a dog's diet should be formulated with the aid of a nutrition expert since balancing a dog's diet to provide adequate nutrition is nearly an impossible task.
Potential sources of protein for a homemade dog food are skin-less chicken breast, ground beef, lamb chop, salmon, whole egg, cottage cheese, and tofu. Potential sources of carbohydrates includes long-grained white rice, long-grained brown rice, white and sweet potatoes, oats, tapioca, and barley pearl. In making a healthy dog food, the diet must start with protein and carbohydrate sources. Once the formulated homemade dog food diet is achieved, do not attempt to change or add the diet to avoid complications. Many veterinary nutritionist are willing to work with your veterinarians in order to develop a homemade dog food diet that suits the individual needs of your dogs.
In making the homemade dog food diet, you need to consider some precautionary measures to avoid contamination which is dangerous to your pet dog's health. All meat and poultry products must be cooked properly, just like with foods for human consumption, to help control the spread of bacteria. Thoroughly wash your hands before handling any foodstuffs. A dedicated cutting board for meats and poultry products must be used to avoid contamination. Meat should not be thawed and then re-freeze. Frozen meat should not be thawed in the counter also, but in the refrigerator. However, raw meat is also good for your dog since it is high in moisture which provides a significant amount of daily water requirement that is great for proper kidney functions in your dog. Bones included in a raw meat as long as it is fresh is okay since it holds essential nutrition to your dog however bones that has been preserved in any way is not recommended. If you are also in doubt with the raw meat preparation, ask the assistance of your Vet.
In conclusion, it is possible to provide a nutritious meal for your dogs. You just have to carefully choose the right ingredients in making your homemade dog food to make it well balanced and nutritious. Careful monitoring for signs of mal-nourishment must be done as well specially for your young growing dogs. A regular visit to your vet also is highly recommended to lessen the potential hazards associated with homemade dog foods.
